Esker Rogersí death was a
classic example of someone being in the wrong place at the wrong time. His was
regularly assigned to Station 17, but because of a shortage of fire fighters at
Station 24, someone was needed from Station 17. However, it was not Rogersí
turn. It was the turn of another fire fighter, who lived to tell about it. When
Rogers reported to Station 24, they received a call from a fire alarm box, which
turned out to be false. While en route to the location, a streetcar pulled into
Engine 24ís path at Leeland and Jackson. The driver of Engine 24 tried to
avoid hitting the streetcar by turning sharply. This caused the fire apparatus
to slam sideways into the streetcar, crushing Rogers between the two vehicles.
Rogers was taken to St. Josephs Infirmary where he died later that
evening.

None of the occupants of the streetcar were injured; however, three other fire
fighters were seriously hurt.